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Late home run lifts Brandon over Harrison Central

Matt Tyler
2:17 p.m. CDT April 25, 2014

Brandon's Kyle Bishop (27) is tagged out by Harrison Central catcher Christian Litz at home plate. Brandon topped Harrison Central 9-8 with on a home run by Colton Cox.
(Photo:
Keith Warren/Special to The Clarion-Ledger
)

BRANDON – Colton Cox was just looking to get on base and keep Brandon's chances of victory alive.

He ended up the hero after hitting a solo home run to propel No. 8 Brandon to a 9-8 victory over Harrison Central in the first round of the MHSAA Class 6A playoffs.

"This bunch here, they've always been resilient in that they come back after adversity," Brandon coach Stacy Hester said. "We're such an explosive offensive team (that) you never know with this bunch."

Harrison Central (11-12) got off to an early lead when Dandy Dozen star and LSU signee Bobby Bradley hit a double off the wall to lead off the game. Mason Saucier quickly followed Bradley with a two-run home run to give the Red Rebels a 2-0 lead. Bradley would later crush a two-run blast in the fourth inning. Brandon learned its lesson after that and intentionally walked him three times.

"All we heard was they can't hit and to pitch around Bobby Bradley," Hester said. "I tried a few times, but he is just too good."

Brandon (22-7) junior second baseman Erick Hoard rivaled Bradley's offensive output, with two doubles while also hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning.

But Brandon still found itself down 8-5 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning.

Third baseman Gage Teer got the rally started with a single to right field and first baseman Hunter Wilson kept it going with a double. A Clayton Woods double cut the lead to one, setting up an opportunity for Cox to win the game. He capitalized on it, smashing a home run to center field for the comeback win.